By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
The UAAP management is introducing the “video challenge system” when volleyball competition fires off on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Volleyball commissioner Noreen Go said yesterday the system will be patterned after the Southeast Asian Games rules where coaches can challenge the calls of referees through video review.
Exact details, however, are still being finalized but coaches from both men’s and women’s teams welcomed the innovation.
The system has actually been implemented by the Philippine Superliga for the past years and is not new to athletes and coaches.
“We need it, it’s going to be great for the competition,” said UP women’s coach Godfrey Okumu in Tuesday’s press briefing.
“(The challenge system) will help level up the competition especially that we’re expecting a more exciting season,” said Ateneo women’s mentor Oliver Almadro, whose team will be seeking back-to-back titles.
The success of the national men’s volleyball team at last December’s Southeast Asian Games also paved way for the league to give a bigger spotlight to men’s teams with a new program format for television.
Unlike in previous seasons where men’s matches are played in the mornings, the playdates will now feature alternating men’s and women’s schedule.
Men’s games will now be played at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., while women’s games are set 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
“These changes (challenge system and new schedule) will motivate not only the men’s players, but also the women’s,” said UAAP executive director Rebo Saguisag.
Meanwile, Saguisag said the league is closely monitoring the situation of the novel coronavirus and is ready to take precautionary measure to handle the situation.
“Right now, it’s all systems go,” said Saguisag.
